HESI PHARMACOLOGY 2023 VERSION A LATEST 55 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAIED ANSWERS
Digoxin (Lanoxin) - positive inotrope (increases force of contraction); negative
chronotrope (decreases heart rate). How do you assess for this? - ANSWER: Always
take apical pulse for one full minute
Client with a long hx of daily digoxin and fourosemide (Lasix) use; creates a high risk
for dig toxicity because - ANSWER: Lasix can cause hypokalemia, which can lead to
dig toxicity
What can happen when Digoxin is taken with Dronedarone (Multaq), which is
another anti-dysrhythmic drug)? - ANSWER: Digoxin can increase in the blood level
and further increase the effects
What is the normal digoxin level? - ANSWER: 0.5-2 ng/mL
Normal serum potassium level is - ANSWER: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Low potassium or magnesium levels may increase risk for - ANSWER: Digoxin
toxicity
What are the signs and symptoms for digoxin toxcitiy? - ANSWER: anorexia,
bradycardia, headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and visual disturbances such
as blurred, yellow, or halo vision.
When should you hold off on giving digoxin drug therapy? - ANSWER: if apical pulse
is less than 60
What effects do Calcium channel blockers (-dipine; amlodipine (Norvasc), nifedipine
(Procardia) cause - ANSWER: produce vasodialation and reflex tachycardia
(lowers BP but increases HR)
Verapamil and diltiazam produce - ANSWER: vasodialation and cardiosuppresssion
(lowers BP and Lowers heart rate)
Beta blockers have the drug ending - ANSWER: -OLOL such as atenolol, propanolol,
esmolol, ect.)
Beta 1 blocks receptors in the - ANSWER: heart
Beta 2 blocks receptors in the - ANSWER: lungs
Beta blockers can be non selective so be aware of any - ANSWER: respiratory
conditions such as asthma, emphysema COPD, ect.
, A nurse should always check _____ and _____ before giving a beta blocker -
ANSWER: AP and BP
do not give if HR is below 60
never stop abruptly
Why do you never stop taking a Beta BLocker abruptly - ANSWER: Must taper
because angina or MI can orccur
When would a nurse hold HTN medication Labetalol? - ANSWER: A patient with a
low pulse rate.
Side effect of Labetalol (beta blocker) is - ANSWER: weight gain / fluid retention
montioring weight is one of the best indicators of loss/gain
1kg is equivalent to 1,000 mL
It is important to assess _____ when taking a beta blocker such as Labetalol -
ANSWER: pulmonary
is it OK to give nitroglycerin to a patient who is hypertensive? - ANSWER: Yes
If an ICU patient on a nirto drip becomes hypotensive what immediate action should
the nurse take? - ANSWER: titrate (decrease the rate) of the nitro drip.
This drug is used for a rapid diuresis in emergencies to decrease pulmonary edema -
ANSWER: Furosemide (Lasix) a loop diuretic
Furosemide (Lasix) can cause - ANSWER: hypokalemia
When taking furosemide (Lasix) a nurse should assess for what signs of
hypokalemia? - ANSWER: muscle cramps and muscle weakness
Hypotension
F/E abnormalities
dehydration
Side effects with aminoglycosides (-mycin drugs) - ANSWER: dizziness
head ache
tinnitus
N/V/D
low potassium
hyperglycemia
ototoxicity
Foods containing potassium - ANSWER: dried fruits, fish, leafy veggies, squash,
beans, meats, nuts, bananas, potatoes, dairy products
AND CORRECT DETAIED ANSWERS
Digoxin (Lanoxin) - positive inotrope (increases force of contraction); negative
chronotrope (decreases heart rate). How do you assess for this? - ANSWER: Always
take apical pulse for one full minute
Client with a long hx of daily digoxin and fourosemide (Lasix) use; creates a high risk
for dig toxicity because - ANSWER: Lasix can cause hypokalemia, which can lead to
dig toxicity
What can happen when Digoxin is taken with Dronedarone (Multaq), which is
another anti-dysrhythmic drug)? - ANSWER: Digoxin can increase in the blood level
and further increase the effects
What is the normal digoxin level? - ANSWER: 0.5-2 ng/mL
Normal serum potassium level is - ANSWER: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Low potassium or magnesium levels may increase risk for - ANSWER: Digoxin
toxicity
What are the signs and symptoms for digoxin toxcitiy? - ANSWER: anorexia,
bradycardia, headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and visual disturbances such
as blurred, yellow, or halo vision.
When should you hold off on giving digoxin drug therapy? - ANSWER: if apical pulse
is less than 60
What effects do Calcium channel blockers (-dipine; amlodipine (Norvasc), nifedipine
(Procardia) cause - ANSWER: produce vasodialation and reflex tachycardia
(lowers BP but increases HR)
Verapamil and diltiazam produce - ANSWER: vasodialation and cardiosuppresssion
(lowers BP and Lowers heart rate)
Beta blockers have the drug ending - ANSWER: -OLOL such as atenolol, propanolol,
esmolol, ect.)
Beta 1 blocks receptors in the - ANSWER: heart
Beta 2 blocks receptors in the - ANSWER: lungs
Beta blockers can be non selective so be aware of any - ANSWER: respiratory
conditions such as asthma, emphysema COPD, ect.
, A nurse should always check _____ and _____ before giving a beta blocker -
ANSWER: AP and BP
do not give if HR is below 60
never stop abruptly
Why do you never stop taking a Beta BLocker abruptly - ANSWER: Must taper
because angina or MI can orccur
When would a nurse hold HTN medication Labetalol? - ANSWER: A patient with a
low pulse rate.
Side effect of Labetalol (beta blocker) is - ANSWER: weight gain / fluid retention
montioring weight is one of the best indicators of loss/gain
1kg is equivalent to 1,000 mL
It is important to assess _____ when taking a beta blocker such as Labetalol -
ANSWER: pulmonary
is it OK to give nitroglycerin to a patient who is hypertensive? - ANSWER: Yes
If an ICU patient on a nirto drip becomes hypotensive what immediate action should
the nurse take? - ANSWER: titrate (decrease the rate) of the nitro drip.
This drug is used for a rapid diuresis in emergencies to decrease pulmonary edema -
ANSWER: Furosemide (Lasix) a loop diuretic
Furosemide (Lasix) can cause - ANSWER: hypokalemia
When taking furosemide (Lasix) a nurse should assess for what signs of
hypokalemia? - ANSWER: muscle cramps and muscle weakness
Hypotension
F/E abnormalities
dehydration
Side effects with aminoglycosides (-mycin drugs) - ANSWER: dizziness
head ache
tinnitus
N/V/D
low potassium
hyperglycemia
ototoxicity
Foods containing potassium - ANSWER: dried fruits, fish, leafy veggies, squash,
beans, meats, nuts, bananas, potatoes, dairy products
